Klempa, Orphy (WV Senate District 1)

Biography

Orphy Klempa was born on October 9, 1951, in Wheeling, WV. He is a self-described Roman Catholic who has worked as a carpenter, coal miner, WV Delegate, WV Senator, and has served as a board member for various organizations including the Upper Ohio Valley United Way, the West Virginia Carpenters Health and Pension Funds, the Ohio Valley Medical Center, and the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce. Senator Klempa and his wife, Mary Jo, have five children together; Orphy Jr., Jeremy, Shannah, Justin and Ricki Jo.

Education

Klempa most recently graduated with an Associates Degree from West Virginia Northern Community College in 2004. Prior to that, he earned the title of Journeyman with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Apprenticeship Program in 1978.

Professional Experience

From 1970-1973, Klempa worked as a coal miner for North American Coal. In 1980, he began his carpenter career by working as a Union Carpenter Foreman from 1980 to 1991, working for Eastley and Rivers Inc. and then LM Construction Inc. He also worked as a Union carpenter for various contractors from 1973-1995. In 1995, he began working as a Business Representative for the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council of Carpenters and still currently holds that job.

Political Experience

Klempa began his political career by running for the West Virginia House of Delegates out of District 3 in 2004; he was unsuccessful in this campaign. He decided to run again in 2006, was elected, and served until 2010. In 2010 he successfully ran for the West Virginia Senate and currently holds that office out of District 1.

Organizational Experience

Klempa has served on the Board of Directors for many organizations throughout the region. First, he was a board member for the Wheeling/Ohio County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Next, from 1997-present, he has served as Co-Chairman for Project Building Efficiency and Striving Together. From 1999-present he has been a board member of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce. Also, from 2001-present he has been a board member of the Upper Ohio Valley United Way and the Ohio Valley Medical Center. From 2003 until present he has been a board member for the West Virginia Northern Community College Board of Governors. From 2004 until present he has been a trustee for the West Virginia Carpenters Health and Pension Funds.

Caucuses/Non-Legislative Committees

In 1997, Klempa served as Secretary for the District Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Committee. From 2000 to present, he has been a board member for the Ohio County Development Authority.

Legislative Committees

Klempa serves as a member for the Energy, Government Organization, Judiciary and Labor Committees. He also serves as Vice Chair for the Economic Development and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees.